The Moline-Coal Valley School District will partner with Western Illinois University to support Lincoln-Irving students and staff a phase of the district’s long-range facilities plan, according to a news release.
At the Board of Education meeting on Monday, a lease with Western Illinois University (WIU-Quad Cities), was approved. This lease allows the district to use buildings A and B of the
WIU-Quad Cities campus for the relocation of the Lincoln-Irving students and staff while the
school undergoes major renovations and a new addition.
The lease is for the 2026-2027 school year with early entry this spring to ensure a smooth transition. Staging and construction for the expansion project are slated to begin in late spring, and the new elementary school is scheduled to open in August of 2027.
“This is an incredible example of local organizations coming together to serve children and
families,” said Superintendent Rachel Savage. “By partnering with Western Illinois University, we are keeping resources in our community, protecting tax dollars, and ensuring students have the learning environment they deserve during this important transition.”
Savage also applauded the strong partnership the district has with MetroLINK, their support of this relocation plan, and their willingness to help with the transportation needs of students to the WIU campus. “This plan simply does not happen without MetroLINK and we are incredibly grateful for all that they do.”
“Western Illinois University was founded to fulfill the needs of our communities and we are proud to once again be able to answer that call through our partnership with the Moline-Coal Valley School District,” said WIU President Kristi Mindrup. “The agreement to host Lincoln-Irving students both meets a need for the school district and also provides clinical opportunities for WIU students.”
“Strong partnerships are the foundation of strong communities, and we’re proud to support
students and families with essential transportation services during this transition period,” said Jennifer Hirsch, manager of administration, MetroLINK. “Working alongside the Moline-Coal Valley School District and WIU, we are dedicated to supporting our community’s needs while ensuring safe and dependable travel to and from school.”
Once the renovations at Lincoln-Irving Elementary are complete, Willard Elementary students will also transition into the newly transformed school. This milestone will mark the retirement of the historic Willard Elementary, which has served the community for more than 127 years.